Rotary Club names 2013 Unsung Heroes award winner

The Chillicothe Rotary Club honored one Chillicothe Middle School instructor during its annual Teacher Appreciation Dinner held last night (Thursday) at the Chillicothe Country Club.

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By AUSTIN BUCKNERabuckner@chillicothenews.com

Chillicothe News - Chillicothe, MO

By AUSTIN BUCKNERabuckner@chillicothenews.com

Posted Nov. 8, 2013 at 1:16 PM

By AUSTIN BUCKNERabuckner@chillicothenews.com

Posted Nov. 8, 2013 at 1:16 PM

The Chillicothe Rotary Club honored one Chillicothe Middle School instructor during its annual Teacher Appreciation Dinner held last night (Thursday) at the Chillicothe Country Club.

Each year, the Rotary Club invites one school in the R-2 district to its dinner. One teacher from the selected school is honored with the Unsung Hero award at the end of the night. The recipient of this year’s award was Special Education Instructor Stacie Pauls.

Pauls, who has served the R-2 district off-and-on for more than seven years, was described by colleagues as caring, consistent and very competent. The 14-year resident of Chillicothe said she has lent her services to special education for more than two decades.

“I have worked in group homes and with Special Olympics,” Pauls explained. “I have worked with Camp Rainbow, a camp in Trenton, for 23 years. I’m on the board of directors for that.”

In addition to her work at Chillicothe Schools, Pauls volunteers her time in the community and with church activities. She also works with the children’s and women’s ministry, and travels with her husband, Jamie’s, music career.

Pauls said she had no idea she was even nominated for the honor, but was excited to receive it.

“I literally go to school just doing what I do, and I’m surrounded by an incredible team at the Chillicothe Middle School,” Pauls said. “I could not have asked for a better school family. To receive something like this, it’s just one of those meaningful things where you thank God for showing you your purpose in life.”

Pauls said the award has motivated her to continue the important work she and her team of teachers do every day in their classrooms.

“I try and give 100 percent always,” Pauls said. “Now there’s a need to come back the next day and say ‘Okay, I can give just a little bit more.’”